University of Maryland's Center on Policy Attitudes
Director of the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland and Editor of the website World Public Opinion; co-author of Misreading the Public: The Myth of a New Isolationism
Tax Cuts and the National Debt Since the days of Ronald Reagan, it's been an article of Republican faith that cutting taxes liberates money for the business investments that create jobs and increase prosperity. This day, when income taxes are due, is a good time to ask if that's true. Raising taxes has been anathema in Washington for 30 years, but the national debt has raised fears across the political spectrum. A new study shows even Tea-Party Republicans might be willing to pay more.
Today's Taxes and Tomorrow's Financial Problems On tax day, nobody wants to talk about paying more but, despite the Republicans' 30-year line in the sand, that may be unavoidable, and it won't be just the richest Americans. The national debt is too big for them to do it alone. New polls surprisingly show that Democrats, Independents and Republicans are so worried about the national debt they might be willing to see an increase in taxes. Most important of all, they want everybody to pay a fair share.
The Presidential Campaign Goes Global Barack Obama's trip this week has been choreographed for the cameras: the meetings with kings and prime ministers; the helicopter over-flight with the commanding general; the prayer at the Western Wall; and, of course, yesterday's address to 200,000 people in the heart of Berlin. But could saturation coverage of Obama produce a backlash? Is it presumptuous for a rookie Senator to act like a head of state? John McCain says he'd like a big crowd in Germany, but not until he's President . But McCain has also campaigned in foreign countries, albeit with fewer cameras. Both candidates want to demonstrate they have what it takes to handle new global realities with strength and diplomacy. Has Obama gone overboard? Many voters care deeply about the rest of the world, but what the tradition of American exceptionalism?
Iraq Study Group Releases Report All ten members of the bipartisan panel say Iraq is sliding toward chaos, but that all is not lost. They recommend some dramatic changes, including moves President Bush has resisted, such as direct diplomacy with Iran. They want the primary mission of US forces to be training Iraqi troops, so that American combat soldiers can be withdrawn. They put a heavy burden on the Iraqis themselves to restore order and government services. Have they provided a "better way" to accomplish the President's goals or a formula for the "graceful exit" he's already rejected? We get details of the Iraq Study Group's recommendations and debate their merits.
Trump Sees ‘Bipartisanship’ on Criminal Justice Reform After decades, America’s draconian crackdown on crime isn’t working. Even most conservatives agree with liberals that it’s worse than a waste of money. President Trump has used a rare word when it comes to proposed reform: “bipartisanship.” It could happen before the new Congress takes office--but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell might be applying the brakes.
One Year Later: Rebuilding from the Thomas Fire This week marks one year since the Thomas Fire descended on the city of Ventura. It burned more than 500 homes within city limits. Since then, roughly half of those properties have received the green-light to start construction, but only a handful have actually broken ground. We visit one neighborhood where some of the first homes are getting rebuilt.